Updates on ITC ’ s signature programmes : MFAR and MFTG

A total of 13 MFAR recipients received the recognition in December 2024 .

MFTG Training Course 2024 in Sabah , held from 13-15 December at Horizon Hotel , Kota Kinabalu , gathered 8 participants .

MFTG Training Course 2025 in Kuala Lumpur , held from 24-26 February 2025 at AnCasa Hotel , Kuala Lumpur , brought together 18 participants .

The newest MFAR recipients with Dr Cindy Seow ( MICA ), Nur Alyssa Coraline Yussin ( ITC ), Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan ( MOTAC YBTM ), Datuk Manoharan Periasamy ( Director-General , Tourism Malaysia ).

Wyndham Acmar Klang General Manager Datin Sheena Mak received the MFAR certification on behalf of the hotel .

THE Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ), an agency under the Ministry of Tourism , Arts and Culture ( MOTAC ), continues to expand its Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition ( MFAR ) and Muslim-Friendly Tourist Guide ( MFTG ) programmes .

These initiatives play a vital role in strengthening Malaysia ’ s position as a leading Muslim-friendly destination by ensuring highquality services that cater to the needs of Muslim travellers .

Building on the 13 MFAR recipients announced in December 2024 , ITC has started 2025 on a strong note by welcoming seven new travel operating businesses into the programme . These businesses were officially recognised

and awarded their MFAR certificates during the 10th Malaysian Inbound Chinese Association ( MICA ) Annual Dinner , held at Sunway Resort Hotel , Petaling Jaya , on 7 September 2025 .

This recognition highlights the growing commitment of industry players to enhancing Malaysia ’ s appeal to Muslim travellers while ensuring adherence to Muslim-friendly tourism standards .

The seven newly certified businesses under MFAR , all members of the Malaysian Inbound Chinese Association ( MICA ) and registered with MOTAC , are :

• Anytime Holidays Sdn Bhd

• Golden Point Leisure & Mice Holiday Sdn Bhd

• Citytan Holidays & Limousine Sdn Bhd

• EZT Tours & Travel Sdn Bhd

• Honey Holidays ( M ) Sdn Bhd

• Sayang Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd

• HTC Travel Service ( M ) Sdn Bhd In addition to the latest recognitions in the travel operating sector , the Wyndham Acmar Klang has been awarded the MFAR Silver certification in the tourist accommodation sector . This achievement underscores the increasing adoption of Muslim-friendly standards across diverse sectors within the tourism industry .

As ITC continues to expand its MFAR and MFTG programmes , these milestones mark significant progress in elevating Malaysia ’ s standing as a premier destination for Muslim travellers worldwide .

Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition ( MFAR )

Muslim-Friendly Tourist Guide ( MFTG )

MFAR was first introduced in 2019 as Muslim-Friendly Accommodation and Recognition , with strategic marketing efforts , including the launch of an official logo and online seminars . In 2023 , MFAR was rebranded as Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition , expanding its scope to 10 key sectors in tourism and hospitality :

• Tourist accommodations

• Spa and wellness

• Medical facilities

• Travel agencies

• Transportation hubs

• Shopping malls

• Amusement parks

• Rest service areas

• Tourism products

• Convention and trade centres As of February 2025 , there are 56 MFAR recipients , comprising of 40 MFAR hotel and 16 MFAR travel agents . MFAR Guidelines can be accessed on ITC ’ s official website : https :// www . itc . gov . my / muslim-friendly-tourismand-hospitality-assurance-andrecognition /.

THE MFTG recognition is awarded to licensed tourist guides who have completed a specialised course in Muslimfriendly tourism . This initiative enhances their expertise in catering to Muslim travellers by considering faith-based needs , safety , and comfort . The MFTG badge signifies that a guide is trained and

knowledgeable in providing a Muslim-friendly experience .

Currently , ITC recognises 275 tour guides under MFTG .

More information about MFTG can be accessed here : https :// www . itc . gov . my / muslim-friendly-touristguide-mftg /.

@Halal R&R - Rest & Rehlah March/April 2025 | Page 12

Updates on ITC ’ s signature programmes : MFAR and MFTG

THE Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ), an agency under the Ministry of Tourism , Arts and Culture ( MOTAC ), continues to expand its Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition ( MFAR ) and Muslim-Friendly Tourist Guide ( MFTG ) programmes .